Presented by the Corcoran’s 1869 Society, ARTINI is a vibrant evening of art, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and dancing. The gala is the culmination of a month-long celebration in which eight mixologists from the District’s most prominent restaurants and bars compete to see who can create the most artistic martini. The city’s favorite artini, as chosen via online vote, will be revealed at the gala.
RaShonda contacted me earlier this week and asked if I could write a post on what to wear to this popular DC event. The event attire is cocktail chic, so I knew immediately that I wanted the outfit suggestions to stray away from a black dress. When people think of cocktail attire, a black dress is the first thing that comes to mind because it’s easy. But let’s have a little fun!
As I mentioned in the Party Dress Alternative post a few months ago, jumpsuits are a great alternative to dresses. With heels and the right accessories, a jumpsuit is just as sophisticated as a dress. Pair a black jumpsuit, which can be purchased at a variety of retailers including Macys, ASOS and Nordstrom, with ankle strap sandals, edgy gold accessories like the Tatty Devine Pegasus Earrings from ASOS and a bold red lip. If you have long hair, this outfit will look great with a sleek top knot and the right touch of mascara.
If you are more conservative, opt for a knee length cap-sleeve dress in a bright color and feminine detail like lace. This red dress is from Dorothy Perkins and is a great option to show off one’s curves in a classy way. Let the dress be the focal point by pairing it with nude pumps like the ones below from Jessica Simpson or slingbacks from Christian Louboutin. A subtle way to introduce more than one color in your outfit is through accessories. You can add purple earrings and a patterned clutch for visual interest to the red and gold combination.
If you don’t want to wear a bright color like red, don’t default to black. Try navy. It is a neutral and a nice alternative. This One Shoulder Shimmer Dress is from John Lewis. This dress is great because the tiers in the dress create a slim waistline while accentuating your curves. Navy can be paired with gold or silver; in this case pair the dress with silver sandals or peep toe heels from GUESS. When dressing up for special events, multiple accessories aren’t always necessary. For this look, I decided not to add a bracelet; the statement earrings and ring are just enough. Complete the look with a smokey eye and nude lip.
If you are attending ARTINI and need assistance putting together an outfit, please contact me! Styling services may include shopping for a new outfit or creating a new look from your current wardrobe!
What do you think of these looks?
